The Feb. 26 story, "NJ school funding: Is Asbury Park’s school chief Lamont Repollet the best pick to lead NJ?" missed some key elements regarding state spending vis a vis the Asbury Park School District.

Does Asbury Park spend more per student than the state average? Yes, but education is not a one-size-fits-all approach, where every student in New Jersey can be educated for the same dollar amount. Different students from different areas need different tools to succeed. If they are succeeding, then the money was well worth it.

Asbury Park High School's 24 percent increase in its graduation rate in just three years shows significant success for that money spent.

If, as state commissioner of education, Repollet can achieve similar gains statewide, he should be applauded, as money only tells part of the story. As a society, we have an obligation to ensure that students succeed, regardless of where they live.